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[Xombe]

Is there a listing of current state of worldwide firmware/system updates?

I ask because I have a JPN console that's showing no new updates available over connect24.  I have the Internet Channel and Everybody Votes, etc.  This obviously tells me I have the latest update for JPN region consoles installed (what would be 2.2 in regions U and E).

But having intalled my Wiikey, when I go to play my US original (or backup) of Super Paper Mario my friend bought for me on the Navy base it tries to update my system.

(I'm sorry but I am not at home at the moment and cannot report my current update version.  I will do so within the day. I am very curious to check the presense of "J" update on my system as all I can find is update info for U and E.. see below).

This is the (best?) information on updating I've found: http://www.wiili.org/index.php/Wii_Updates

I have read a great deal about this issue and this game specifically.  This is the general text that always comes up in searches:

QUOTE

The only problem that I do know Modded Wii's have had was with Super paper Mario and other game titles that have update firmware on them and have bricked Wii's because the wrong region firmware was installed..

The brick will occur when playing an out of region game that has an update on the disc itself (Super Paper Mario) has the update on the disc.

Example:
You have a PAL Wii that has a Modchip in it that lets you play other region game disc. So you play a download/backup/Orignal Super Paper Mario NTSC version game on your PAL Wii. If your PAL Wii is not updated with the same or higher firmware that is on the NTSC Game Disc then the below will happen...

Super Paper Mario will check to see what firmware you have on your system. If the Wii firmware version is below the version that is on the Super Paper Mario game disc then it will update your PAL Wii firmware with the NTSC firmware update. Doing this bricks your Wii because Nintendo has region locks on the hardware. Which will not run other region firmware on the system.

You can also Brick an NTSC(U) or NTSC(J) Wii playing a PAL Game Disc (Back up/Original) if the PAL game disc has a higher firmware version then what your NTSC Wii system has.

To avoid this problem make sure your System is updated to the newest firmware before playing the game. Or do not use game disc that are out of your region.

I get all that.  I have the JPN retail SPM my wife's been playing for weeks as well (and it's installed its update as I now have the screen burn-in prevention menu item available). I have the final version Internet Channel so I must be at v2.2J that came over the wire on Apr. 12.

I'm avoiding playing US SPM to avoid a brick.

My question is, does anyone know what version the various regions are currently at?  Is Japan behind such that I must await a new update so that US SPM won't try to update in order to play it?

Additionally, is there a list of US games that have updates (and version numbers of those updates) I may need to avoid to keep from wasting money on games I cannot play for fear of bricking?

This post has been edited by Xombe: May 16 2007, 01:19 AM

[Xombe]

After reading all about the issue on GBAtemp and Maxconsole (the former, mostly), I learned a lot.

Since my system was already updated to the most recent possible local firmware, the "update" on the US Super Paper Mario disc did just about nothing.

It checked, flashed by in about 5 seconds, and it was done.

Long story short to sum up the threads found elsewhere:

Update your firmware via the internet until the "No new updates are available" message shows.  This will put you a 2.2J (or 2.2E, or whatever).  SMP will still tell you you need to update, and it will appear to do so when allowed, but your firmware version will remain unchanged as viewed in the Wii Menu.

The SPM icon will then appear in the channel window and you can play, and not be bothered again.

Hopefully this won't cause an issue with further legit, local region updates (which is the largest point in discussion right now).

Update from SPM disc with an OLD firmware still on the system and you'll brick.

It's more complex then that (what happens, what gets looked for, where, and why) but for a brieif summation it will suffice.

Now I can enjoy my game in English (since the wife already beat it in Japanese and will give me some time on the good TV now...).